1 Kings 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and brought Pharaoh’s daughter into David’s city (vv. 1-2). The people sacrificed at high places since there was no house for Yahweh’s name yet.

Key verse

“God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;”
1 Kings 3:11 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 3:1–2 Solomon's Alliance and Worship
1 Kings 3:3–5 Solomon's Devotion and Sacrifice
1 Kings 3:6–9 God's Invitation and Solomon's Request
1 Kings 3:10–14 God's Generous Response
1 Kings 3:15 Solomon's Worship and Feasting
1 Kings 3:16–22 The Dispute of Two Mothers
1 Kings 3:23–28 Solomon's Wise Judgment

Discussion questions

In v5, what does God say to Solomon in his dream?
What does Solomon offer at the altar in Gibeon in v4?
Solomon's request for an 'understanding heart' in v9: why does he emphasize his youth?
In v28, what does Israel see in Solomon that causes them to fear him?
When have you faced a decision where you needed 'understanding' like Solomon did in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 3: Matthew 6, James 1, Ephesians 3.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 4.